Just a garage (incl motorbike content)

Fair enough I can't stand the ones over the end of the bars just because they are restrictive. They do save levers though.
Bit too high is way better than a bit too low. In that position you have way less bar grip as you are more likely to roll your hand over the top of the bar when braking hard or hitting bit bumps/impacts puts loads of pressure on the thumb as well. You should be over the back of the bike on the faster rougher stuff making it harder to reach down to the lever when it lower.
Not criticising you have to do what feels comfy but its worth mixing it up sometimes. Look at the likes of the pro riders and try not to deviate too far from their setups. Tommy Searle did a good bike setup/technique video not too long ago.

You should be over the back of the bike on the faster rougher stuff making it harder to reach down to the lever when it lower.

That's a good point I'd not thought of. I'm still learning with all things offroad so will gladly listen to anyone who has advice. Thanks for all the tips.

Lots of conflicting advice with this. Bret Tkacs on his vids on taller riders will recommend a lower angle. Others do too depending on what you ride.

However, like above, I put my DR levers quite high, so when I am ass-back standing my hands are flat and not angled at the wrists.

Praise the Lord for eBay saved searches, a FMF Q4 full system finally came up for sale so I pounced on it.

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Damn!

Since the Vortex ECU install I've been on the hunt for one. Buying new from the US was eye-watering, when you factor in shipping/customs, so pleased to nab this second hand. Couldn't really notice any performance gains from my short test but the weight saving was a shock! Glad I went for the Q(uiet)4, as no doubt a loud pipe would soon get old on the local lanes.

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I’m a fan of not being obnoxious. However, I found out on the 4-day trip that most people didn’t even hear me with the Dominator can + baffle.

They’d hear the 990’s Akra pipes and then wander back into the way. So there’s something to be said for being just noisy enough.

Nice that

I agree with this.

Coming from trials I run them higher than normal maybe but I had tried lower and it's always the sensation of leaning down and your hands roiling over the top.

Few pictures of some of the worlds best just to show you a rough angle. The picture of Tomac is a good example of being over the back yet still be able to reach the controls.

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Good riding tips on this vid. His and Billy's channel are worth a watch if you don't already.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrBpswl_KS8

Thanks for this, if not just to see some nice machinery.

To be honest I think it’s since owning a trials bike that has set in stone the high lever thing.

Initially when riding that fold in the wrist when stood up seems all wrong…especially when you watch Bret Tkacs or Llel Pavey or someone describing about the triangle, or forearm/hand position.

But yea, it really isn’t a problem, your wrists are bent, but bearing in mind that your core and legs hold as much of the stability as possible, really there shouldn’t be much downward pressure on the hands.

He says, deathgripping the fucker up and down stoney climbs.

As great as the Vortex ECU (and FMF pipe) is for throttle connection, it does increase fuel consumption. Picked up a 2nd hand 11.4L IMS tank which should be a bit better than the stock unit (7.6L).

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Big tanks always look great.

Thanks. Generally I'm not a fan of Dakar-spec bikes for pootling on UK lanes, but the bigger tank will be useful. Don't worry I won't be fitting a nav-tower and roadbook anytime soon.

Dude I am all about that Dakar look.

I'm in the old school twin spotlight camp.

Yeah, I can't stand all that :)

A mini fairing to hide a gps unit above the speedo is a fair compromise, like on my DR.

Pure rallyraid beasts are certainly an acquired taste.

Saw some people bossing it on T7’s last weekend and renewed my desire somewhat.

First MOT for the CRF in a few hours, still can't believe I own a bike this new. With it now so capable a trailer would be mighty useful to enter some more events. Shame about the rider though! Having said that, I've booked on again this Sunday for another motocross practice session so every little helps.

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So rad. I kinda want one for slinging around London in my ride the lightning tshirt and fulfilling my Ryan Gosling The Place Beyond The Pines dreams

Just don’t fall put the window

Must remember to steer clear of windows when running from the law

that number plate looks illegal to me...

Dirt bikes, even without supermoto wheels, are absolute hooligan machines. My DR turns me into a different rider. You get so used to the narrow frame and flickable instant turning on the spot, it makes the deliveroo scooters look sluggish

@spotter good spot. Even un-Photoshopped it's illegal, ever so slightly smaller than the legal size.

@pdlouche people also seem to react more to a dirt bike than say an Italian superbike in my experience. Maybe it's just me, but everyone just seems starier.